It has been one year since the murder of George Floyd. Over the course of this grueling year, the world has reacted in big ways—we've seen demonstrations in the streets here in America and we've seen communities across the globe protest in outrage against systems of oppression that have plagued the world for far too long. And ways not big enough—we've seen dozens more Black men and women killed at the hands of police. The feelings of hurt, exhaustion, and defeat are understandable. And while so many of us were already familiar with the pain that came from watching Derek Chauvin’s knee on George Floyd’s neck, the tragedy woke much of the rest of our society up to the reality that Black people have long understood: There are two different systems at work in this country—one for white people and one for people of color.
I grew up in Petersburg, Virginia, one of the poorest communities in the Commonwealth. I attended a school that didn’t have textbooks to take home or accredited teachers in its classrooms. I remember seeing students from the neighboring community of Colonial Heights getting so much of what they needed to succeed. Our community was resilient, but even at a young age, I realized we lived in a two-tiered system that didn’t benefit people who looked like me.
After law school, I became a public defender and, daily, I saw the two-tiered system embedded within the bricks of our criminal justice system. In the courtroom, I defended marginalized communities and clients, who faced charges for crimes that they did not commit, forced to sit in jail while their white counterparts, who were often easily able to post bond, went home the next day.
Outside the courtroom, I think about my family. My husband Jeff knows what it’s like to see the flashing light of a cop in his rearview mirror and inevitably think, Could this be a ticket or is it going to end up much worse? I think about my twin 3-year-old boys. At what age will people stop thinking they are cute kids and instead think they look like criminals?
Structural racism can be a matter of life and death. Americans witnessed that fact with their own eyes on May 25, 2020. Last month, Derek Chauvin was held accountable for his actions. But true justice would mean George Floyd would still be with us. As we keep fighting for equality, it's incumbent upon us to recognize that the unanimous Chauvin verdict was just one case. Many trials have not had the same outcomes, failing to go the way of accountability. Many grand juries have not brought down an indictment. Many defendants have heard the finding "not guilty."
So, what can we do to keep up the fight for racial justice? Vote.
Americans must show up and vote for people who understand what a fair criminal justice system looks like, and, more importantly, who will make it a reality. They need to vote for candidates who are focused on eradicating systemic racism up and down the ballot—from President and Senator to school board member and district attorney.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
This year, I’m running for Governor of Virginia. I will be a governor who has lived through the broken, two-tiered system. My grandmother who raised me always taught me to stand up for those who needed a voice—if I didn’t, who would?
But to change this system that treats Black students differently than white students, that treats Black men at a convenience store differently than white men at a convenience store, we must all step up and show up—whether that's in the streets, at the ballot box, or even running for office ourselves. Change can’t wait.
Jennifer Carroll Foy was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 to 2020, during which time she passed a ban on chokeholds by law enforcement. She is currently running for Governor of Virginia; if elected, Carroll Foy would be the first Black female governor in the United States.
RELATED STORIES
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
By Going Full "Trad Wife," Republicans Are Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud
Sen. Katie Britt was picked to deliver the State of the Union rebuttal "as a housewife, not just a senator," one GOP lawmaker said.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Last updated
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich Published
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth Published
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast Published
-
Current Gun Control Policies Are Ableist
"Solutions" like active shooter drills and arming more people put the rights of gun owners above the rights of America's most vulnerable, including disabled people like myself.
By Heather Tomko Published
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio Published